Acne Introduction
Acne is a skin disorder that mostly occurs in teenagers. It consists of various kinds of blemishes on the face, upper chest, and back. A few such blemishes are normal, but severe acne may result in permanent scarringl. Some teen-agers find severe acne so distressing that they develop emotional or social problems.
Acne Treatments:
If you have very oily skin or live in a hot, humid climate, you may prefer an alcohol-based gel or solution, which tends to dry the skin.
Acne Medication and Drugs
Topical Drugs Treatment for mild acne consists of reducing the formation of new comedones with over-the-counter acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide e g ,. Some examples are prescription strength Benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur-containing products, or Azelaic acid Azelex . Drugs that act as both comedolytics and antibiotics, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid Azelex , or benzoyl peroxide plus erythromycin . If these medicines dont work, your doctor may prescribe a cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur. Benzoyl peroxide works to reduce oil made by the glands. Try over-the-counter lotions containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Most retinoids are applied at night and should not be applied at the same time as benzoyl peroxide with the exception of adapalene . Benzoyl peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide is also available in prescription form. Your doctor may recommend a combination of topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin.
Acne Scars
Acne pustules that heal without progressing to cystic form usually leave no scars. Several surgical or medical treatments are available to alleviate acne or the resulting scars:. Laser treatments Two types of laser treatments are proving effective in treating acne scars. Inflammatory acne may leave scars that require further treatment. How can I help prevent acne and acne scars?. Lesions can cause scars ranging from small, sunken pits to large elevated blemishes, depending on how severe the acne is and what your skin type is. It is not serious, but it can cause scars. Punch grafting Deep scars are excised and the area repaired with small skin grafts. Collagen injection Shallow scars are elevated by collagen protein injections. Your doctor will also examine your face, chest, back, and other areas for blemishes, lesions, and scars. Chemical peeling where a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to blister and eventually peel off can reduce minor scars.
